Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has imposed a ban on night grazing and restricted motorcycle use across the state in response to frequent attacks.
In a state broadcast on Wednesday, Mutfwang referred to the attacks as “coordinated acts of terror” designed to displace residents and deprive them of their right to live peacefully on their ancestral lands.
The governor also announced a ban on the transportation of cattle by vehicles after 7pm.
These measures take immediate effect, with motorcycle use prohibited from 7pm to 6am statewide until further notice.
“The tragic echoes of Dogo Na Hawa, Riyom, Barkin-Ladi, Mangu, and the Christmas Eve massacres in Bokkos remain vivid. The cycle continues, but it must not endure. Enough Is Enough,” the governor said.
“As your governor, I stand resolved — Plateau shall not be overrun by fear, nor shall we accept this culture of bloodshed as the new normal.
“My administration is intensifying efforts to protect our people and enforce the rule of law across all local governments.
“I hereby announce the following measures, effective Wednesday, April 16: Night grazing of cattle is strictly prohibited; transportation of cattle by vehicle is banned after 7pm.
“The use of motorcycles is restricted from 7pm to 6am across the state until further notice.”
Mutfwang stated that communities must play an active role in defending themselves, while staying within the boundaries of the law.
At least 50 people were reportedly killed when gunmen attacked Kimakpa village in Miango district, Bassa LGA, on April 14.
This assault occurred just two weeks after gunmen killed numerous residents in five communities across Bokkos and Mangu LGAs.
Authorities have been struggling to contain the violence in a state where ethnic tensions have been a long-standing issue.
“There was no specific target. They were just shooting,” said Peter John, a survivor from Sunday night’s attack on the village of Kimakpa, some 25 kilometres (15 miles) from the state capital Jos.
John, 25, who spoke to AFP while receiving treatment at a nearby hospital, said he escaped the attackers, who burst into his family’s home around 10:00 pm, by climbing onto the roof.